- By Supratik Das
- Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a viral Instagram post, an Indian businessman has sparked a debate by elaborating on how his life was changed after switching from an H-1B work visa to a B-1 business visa in the United States. The businessman, named Aniruddha, termed the transition a "turning point" that provided him with the professional autonomy and personal flexibility he had always aspired for.
Aniruddha mentioned that he had nearly nine years in the US with the H-1B visa, one of the most popular employment permits for Indian IT professionals. But even though it gave him career security, he said the visa was severely restrictive.
“Life was mundane, felt like a slave,” he wrote on Instagram, recalling how he could not start his own company, was allowed only one annual trip to India, and constantly worried about visa renewals and shifting immigration rules. The entrepreneur explained that after years of routine and uncertainty, he decided to “take a leap of faith” and switch to a B-1 visa, which allows temporary visits for business purposes. That decision, he said, “completely changed” his life.
As per his post, Aniruddha now legally operates his own LLC, travels from India to the US twice yearly, and has the security of a 10-year visa. Having my own business, no stress of renewal, no dread of policy changes, and I finally love entrepreneurship," he said. "Life feels in my control and exhilarating every day." He continued that he now resides in India year-round and makes the United States trips only for business meetings and conferences, balancing both worlds.
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Understanding The Visas
To put Aniruddha's experience into perspective, here is a brief summary of the two visa categories:
H-1B Visa (Work Visa)
• For skilled workers employed in specialised industries like technology, finance, or engineering.
• Nominated by a US employer, so visa holders can work exclusively with the company.
• Valid for three years, but can be extended to a maximum of six years.
• Provides a possible route to a Green Card, but with lengthy waiting periods.
• Limitations: Can't begin or operate an independent company; repeated renewals and policy changes create uncertainty.
B-1 Visa (Business Visitor Visa)
• A short-term, non-immigrant visa for those visiting the US for business purposes (e.g., meetings, conferences, consulting).
• Holders are not allowed to participate in direct employment or income-generating activities within the US.
• Typically valid for a maximum of 10 years with multiple entries, with short stays per visit.
• Often used by entrepreneurs who base their operations outside the US but travel frequently for networking or client meetings.
• Offers greater flexibility for those running global businesses remotely.
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Debate Over Visa Legality
The post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of views and comments from professionals worldwide. Several appreciated his bravery, while others wondered whether it was legal to run a business on a B-1 visa, which usually does not allow direct income-generating work within the US. "But if you are on B1, you cannot be involved in any productive or income-generating work. Then how will you operate the business in the US?" wondered a user. Another user added, "You will never get a green card on B1. H-1B at least provides job security."
Aniruddha's story comes against the backdrop of renewed debates over US visa policies, particularly in the wake of reports of tougher rules and higher fees under current administrations. For Indian professionals, the H-1B visa is a chance as well as a battle, an entry to the American dream but one with tight restrictions.
